The Swan Upping 2009

Yesterday Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Seigneur of the Swans, observed for the first time the Swan Upping from a launch on the River Thames.

The Queen owns all unmarked mute swans in the United Kingdom, but today Her Majesty only exercises this right in the area of the Thames. Each year, in the third week of July, the annual swan census is carried out by Her Majesty’s Swan Marker and members of the Worshipful Company of Vintners and the Worshipful Company of Dyers.

The Swans are weighed, measured and marked in a bid to conserve the swan population and ensure the welfare of the swans. This ancient ceremony has taken on a new “green” role and is one of the many ways the Royal Household takes part in green and environmental initiatives.

Swan Upping is a colourful sight, with flags, uniforms and banners. This year it can be viewed on the following days:

Monday, 20 July 2009: Eton Bridge to Cookham

Tuesday, 21 July 2009: Cookham to Marlow Lock

Wednesday, 22 July 2009: Marlow Bridge to Sonning Bridge

Thursday, 23 July 2009: Sonning-on-Thames to Moulsford

Friday, 24 July 2009: Moulsford to Abingdon Bridge

The Queen’s Swan Marker and his team wear distinctive uniforms and his cap contains a large swan feather. Each day the markers stand and toast The Queen and as they sail past Windsor Castle they stand in salute to “Her Majesty The Queen, Seigneur of the Swans”. Click here to view a video of this year’s event.

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Animals, Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Swan Upping.

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